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Princess Cruise Oversold, Asks Passenger to Give up Cabins

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises oversold the Discovery Princess’ April 7, 2026, transpacific repositioning cruise.
  • The cruise line is offering some passengers a full refund plus a 100 percent future cruise credit if they voluntarily give up their cabins.
  • Passengers are also being offered $1,500 for travel expenses reimbursement.

Some passengers preparing to board an April 7, 2026, sailing on Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess received an unexpected message shortly before embarkation: Princess Cruises is asking guests to voluntarily change their plans.

The notice, sent to guests booked on the voyage, offers a full refund and a free sailing with a future cruise credit if they agree to move to a later sailing.

“Due to the popularity of your upcoming April 7th cruise on Discovery Princess you are eligible for exceptional savings should you choose to change your travel arrangements,” a letter shared by one passenger stated.

It went on to offer a 100 percent refund now, as well as 100 percent cruise fare paid as a bonus future cruise credit, valid for 2 years.

The message also said the cruise line would reimburse up to $1,500 per person for private travel expenses, such as airfare, provided documentation is submitted.

The sailing in question is a 30-night transpacific repositioning voyage beginning in Sydney, Australia, where Discovery Princess was based for an Australian season

The vessel is traveling across the Pacific to start a summer season in Alaska with calls in New Zealand, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and the US West Coast before finishing in her next homeport of Vancouver on May 6, 2026.

Discovery Princess Cruise Ship
Discovery Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

Several passengers posted about the request on social media, with one receiving the message after landing in Sydney following a 17-hour flight.

“Flew from Texas to Sydney for this. Would need to reschedule for next April if I wanted to do the same trip, and find my way back to Texas now,” she said.

Others on the same sailing, including several guests from Australia, reported they did not receive the offer at all, suggesting Princess Cruises may have targeted specific bookings based on cabin category, which appeared to be balcony staterooms.

Why Cruises Sometimes Oversell

Overselling cabins is a practice used across the travel industry, though many cruise passengers are surprised to learn it happens at sea.

Cruise lines, like hotels and airlines, rely on historical data showing that some guests cancel before sailing or never show up at the port. To avoid empty cabins, companies may sell slightly more reservations than the ship technically holds.

For Discovery Princess, a 145,00-gross-ton ship, the vessel can accommodate up to 3,660 passengers at double capacity.

When those cancellations do not occur, cruise lines may send “move-over offers” asking guests to voluntarily change sailings in exchange for incentives, much like an oversold flight where an airline may offer passengers to take a later flight for cash incentives.

In the case of Discovery Princess, the offer includes reimbursement for travel expenses to help passengers return home another way.

In most cases, cruise lines will continue raising incentives until enough guests accept the deal, making involuntary removal from a cruise extremely uncommon.

Still, overselling can create major complications for passengers booked on international flights, hotels, and excursions. Travel advisors often recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect against those costs.

Standard policies may reimburse prepaid expenses if a trip is disrupted for a covered reason, while “cancel for any reason” policies offer additional flexibility, though they typically reimburse only part of the total cost.

Passengers can reduce the chances of being caught in an oversell situation by selecting a specific stateroom instead of booking a “guarantee” category, where the exact cabin is assigned later. Guarantee bookings give cruise lines more flexibility to shift passengers if inventory becomes tight.

For flexible passengers, however, move-overs can turn into a windfall with heavily discounted or even free replacement voyages after accepting the incentive, such is the case for Discovery Princess.

Virgin Voyages Abandons Bermuda Plan and Heads North Instead

Key Aspects:

  • Valiant Lady‘s April 6, 2026 5-night sailing will now be going to Canada rather than Bermuda.
  • The itinerary change is due to poor weather that makes docking unsafe in Bermuda.
  • The weather difference between the ports is upsetting some guests, but others are making the best of it.

Many cruise guests look forward to sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and tropical temperatures for their cruise vacations. That may be what guests boarding Valiant Lady in New York on Monday, April 6, 2026 had hoped for, but it is not what they will be getting.

Just three days before embarkation, Virgin Voyages reached out to guests to alert them to a drastic itinerary change.

“Due to forecasted weather, it’s become necessary to adjust our itinerary to keep things smooth, safe, and comfortable,” the email read. “Instead of Bermuda, we’ll now be heading to Saint John, New Brunswick.”

That’s right, instead of a visit to Bermuda, Valiant Lady will be visiting Canada, roughly 900 miles north of her planned port visit.

The ship will still enjoy an overnight port visit. Instead of Kings Wharf, however, Valiant Lady will be in Saint John from 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, through 4 a.m. on Thursday, April 9.

This gives guests a full day and into the night to enjoy the charm of the maritime port, even though it may not be the port they had originally planned to visit.

Cruise Hive has frequently reported on port of call changes due to weather. Cruise lines always prioritize safety, and the weather conditions in Bermuda during Valiant Lady’s planned visit are not acceptable.

According to the Bermuda Weather Service, the forecast for the island on Wednesday is deteriorating and not necessarily conducive to a cruise ship visit.

“Occasionally overcast with rain and blustery showers. Winds north-northeasterly moderate, soon increasing northeasterly moderate to strong, possibly strong for a time,” the public forecast reads.

Because docking can be tricky in Bermuda, strong winds can make it challenging to safely navigate a 110,000-gross-ton ship like Valiant Lady to dock securely.

Valiant Lady Cruise Ship
Valiant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)

While Saint John will not have the strong winds that could be unsafe for the ship, the temperature difference may be a shock to cruise guests. In Bermuda, the expected high temperature is near 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Saint John, however, the expected high is just 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, Tuesday evening (just before the ship arrives) may see snowfall in Saint John.

Guest Reactions Vary

Many cruise guests are understanding about the switch and the need to prioritize safety, even though it may not be the vacation they had anticipated.

“Wife and I are going to make the most of it. Love my neighbors to the north and I’ve never been there before so I’ll be going in with a positive attitude,” one commenter posted on Reddit.

“I’m not super upset about it. I wasn’t planning on getting off the ship anyway because this is more of a spring break getaway from our kids which we never get to do around this time of year,” another guest explained. “But I do get it sucks for a lot of people. We will make the best out of it and have some more drinks while doing so. Good luck everyone!”

Read Also: Virgin Voyages Cancels All Tracy Arm Visits for Its Inaugural Alaska Season

Other travelers are frustrated, however, that Virgin Voyages is only offering $100 in onboard credit for the very dramatic itinerary change.

Guests can opt to cancel their sailing for a future cruise credit instead, but not for a full refund. Many travelers are taking that option in the hopes of rebooking on a more appealing sailing at a later date.

The April 6 departure is Valiant Lady‘s first sailing from New York for the season. She will remain in the Big Apple for just four departures, the last of which is her April 25 sailing, a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Barcelona.

The ship will remain in Europe through the end of August, offering departures not only from Barcelona but also from Rome and Portsmouth on select dates. She will return to New York briefly in the fall, with four different Bermuda itineraries available before she heads to San Juan for winter in the Caribbean.

Mechanical Issue Delays Carnival Horizon and Impacts Next Sailing

Key Aspects:

  • A minor mechanical issue has impacted Carnival Horizon‘s speed towards the end of its March 28 sailing.
  • Carnival has informed guests that the ship will arrive late back at PortMiami on April 5.
  • Embarkation for the next April 5 sailing is likewise shifted two hours later.

Guests currently onboard Carnival Horizon are going to get a slightly longer vacation than anticipated, as a mechanical issue has slowed the ship. This means she will be returning to Miami a bit later than originally planned on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The delay is not a significant one but may impact guests’ onward travel plans, particularly for anyone who may have hoped to catch an early flight on Sunday morning.

“Our engineers are actively working to repair a minor mechanical issue, which requires us to reduce our speed slightly,” a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms said. “As a result, we now expect to dock in Miami at 8:30 AM, a little later than originally scheduled.”

Carnival Horizon is finishing an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary that departed Miami on Saturday, March 28. The classic “ABC” voyage visited Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

The ship is now at sea heading back toward the Sunshine State. Satellite tracking confirms a speed of 20 knots (23 miles per hour), which is close to the ship’s top sailing speed of 21.5 knots (25 mph), which seems to indicate that the minor mechanical issue has been successfully resolved.

Nevertheless, Carnival Horizon will still be slightly late back to Miami. Originally, the ship was scheduled to begin debarking at close to 8 a.m., but now debarkation will not likely begin until 9 a.m.

Guests are being asked to vacate their staterooms no later than 8:45 a.m. in order to permit housekeeping teams to turn over the rooms for the next sailing, minimizing any delay between cruises.

Carnival Horizon at PortMiami, Florida
Carnival Horizon at PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Just dance)

Carnival Cruise Line has opened the WiFi for the up to 4,977 guests onboard Carnival Horizon to help them adjust travel plans for the revised arrival and debarkation times. This will be essential for travelers who may have arranged taxis, ride shares, or pickups from the cruise terminal.

Some guests may also need to adjust flight times, particularly if they were planning early flights. With seven ships in port in Miami on Sunday, as well as ongoing construction in the area, traffic may continue to be congested as guests leave the port area.

Next Embarkation Delayed

Guests booked on Carnival Horizon‘s next sailing are also being notified about the delay.

The April 5, 2026 cruise is a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary with visits planned for Celebration Key, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman before the ship returns to Miami on Saturday, April 11.

Read Also: What Is Wrong With Carnival’s Vista Class Ships?

While the overall itinerary is not likely to be impacted by the brief delay, guests are being advised to delay their cruise terminal arrival appointment by two hours to accommodate the change in debarkation for the previous sailing. Further updates to arrival times may yet be forthcoming as the ship arrives, and guests should opt in to text alerts for the latest information.

It is important for debarking guests to have time to claim luggage, clear customs, and exit the terminal and parking areas before new guests begin arriving to start their vacation, or else congestion will become even worse.

Propulsion Issues a Common Concern for Vista Class Ships

This is not the first time Carnival Horizon has had mechanical issues that affect the ship’s cruising speed.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on multiple similar issues for the vessel, including in August 2018, just four months after she first debuted. Other propulsion issues have been noted in 2021 and most recently in November 2025.

Interestingly, the most recent mechanical trouble was also at the end of an 8-night “ABC” itinerary, causing a delay in her return to Miami and a later embarkation for the next sailing.

The cruise line’s other Vista Class ships, Carnival Vista and Carnival Panorama, have likewise had multiple propulsion problems throughout their respective service careers.

Exact details of the propulsion difficulties in any of the instances, including the most current trouble, have not been disclosed, but all other onboard activities, entertainment, dining, and hotel operations are running smoothly.

Virgin Voyages Cancels All Tracy Arm Visits For its Inaugural Alaska Season

Key Aspects:

  • Virgin Voyages has changed Brilliant Lady’s itineraries for her inaugural season in Alaska.
  • Instead of Tracy Arm Fjord, the ship will cruise through Endicott Arm Fjord.
  • Tracy Arm continues to be geologically unstable following a major landslide in the summer of 2025.

Brilliant Lady is just a few short months away from becoming the first-ever Virgin Voyages cruise ship to visit Alaska, but her inaugural itineraries will look a little different from what was expected.

Due to ongoing geological instability in the famous Tracy Arm Fjord, the adults-only cruise line has opted to remove the scenic cruising destination from all of its 2026 Alaska itineraries.

Unfortunately, the area within the fjord remains unstable and at an increased risk for landslides following a landslide and tsunami that occurred near the South Sawyer Glacier on August 10, 2025.

Even the 2,770-guest ship’s MerMaiden voyage to Alaska, which embarks in Seattle on May 21, 2026, has been changed.

As a safer alternative, the 110,000-gross ton ship will sail into Endicott Arm, which is very close to Tracy Arm but doesn’t suffer from the same landslide risk. Both fjords have the same entrance point at Holkham Bay, located roughly 50 miles south of Juneau, Alaska.

“We wanted to inform you about a change to your Sailor’s upcoming voyage,” Virgin Voyages wrote in a letter to impacted guests and First Mates.

“Your Sailor’s Brilliant Lady voyage will now visit Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier in place of Tracy Arm Fjord due to ongoing landslide risk in the area,” the notice continued.

It’s also worth noting that Virgin Voyages is not the first cruise line to make this decision. In March, Cruise Hive reported that Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line announced that they would also be replacing Tracy Arm with Endicott Arm.

A Historic First Alaska Season

It’s clear that even with the itinerary change, Brilliant Lady’s inaugural season in Alaska will still be one to remember.

As the first Lady ship to be Panama Canal compliant, she is the one and only ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet that can be deployed to the West Coast and Alaska.

After completing the cruise line’s first season in Los Angeles, the 2025-launched ship will arrive in Seattle, Washington, on May 21, 2026, which is the same day her final of four MerMaiden voyages sets sail.

For context, the mid-sized vessel also operated MerMaiden voyages in New York and Miami in 2025, and will embark on her Los Angeles MerMaiden sailing on April 7, 2026.

Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship
Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Capturing Images)

The ship will primarily operate 7-night sailings to Alaska, with a few longer voyages and one embarkation in Vancouver thrown into the mix. No other tweaks to the itineraries have been made aside from replacing Tracy Arm.

“The voyage length, ship, and overall experience remain unchanged, and we look forward to delivering an incredible time in Alaska,” Virgin Voyages confirmed.

In addition to Endicott Arm, guests will get to visit Ketchikan, Sitka, and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada.

Endicott Arm Excursion in the Works

Making this itinerary change especially exciting, Virgin Voyages indicated that a special tour is in the works to make the most of the scenic cruising in Endicott Arm.

“We’ll be adding an exclusive new shore thing at Endicott that you can book once you’re onboard,” the cruise line stated.

Details about what this experience may look like are still under wraps, but cruise guests hope that it will be a boat ride that will give them a closer look at the famous blue ice and the stunning Dawes Glacier.

“If they offer a small boat excursion that day take it, it is worth it,” one cruiser asserted.

“Maybe a ride out on a zodiac from the ship for a closer look at the glaciers? Would be fun if so,” another chimed in.

Typically, Virgin Voyages allows guests to book Shore Things (or shore excursions) starting 135 days ahead of embarkation for RockStar suite guests or 120 days for other passengers.

In this case, the mystery excursion will only be sold onboard. Interested guests will want to make their way to the shore excursion deck on Deck 7 as soon as possible, as availability may be limited.

Growing Cruise Demand Sets Tampa Bay on the Path to a New Terminal

Key Aspects:

  • Port Tampa Bay is continuing to expand and has begun construction on a new cruise terminal.
  • These growth plans are part of ongoing development to support all port operations.
  • This news follows the cancellation of the planned new cruise port south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

While the idea of a new cruise terminal south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay is now dead and will not be happening, Port Tampa Bay isn’t slowing down on developments to enhance cruising from the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast.

Following the phenomenal year the port enjoyed in 2025 with more than 1.66 million cruise passengers, new changes are underway to accommodate even more ships and guests. In 2026, the port is expecting 1.8 million cruise passengers.

According to Spectrum News via Bay News 9, plans that are part of the port’s “Master Plan Vision 2030” are being advanced.

While some of those plans impact more cargo operations with expanded berths, warehouses, and storage, key aspects of the plan do directly affect cruise operations.

First, a $1.2 billion project to deepen the channel by four feet is planned to begin in 2028. While this may not seem like a significant increase, a deeper channel can better accommodate larger ships with deeper drafts.

It’s unlikely that Port Tampa Bay will ever be able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class vessels or MSC Cruises’ World Class vessels, a deeper channel might provide more opportunity for some larger ships to visit or homeport in Tampa.

For example, ships homeported at Port Tampa Bay currently have drafts ranging from 23-28 feet. Deepening the channel might permit slightly heavier cruise ships to safely navigate to the cruise terminal (depending on their number of decks, of course!).

A new cruise terminal would also permit additional ship visits, while updated and reconstructed passenger bridges for the current terminals would smooth passenger flow and ease crowds on busy days.

Construction has already begun on the new terminal at Terminal 6 and completion is expected in 2029. Exact details of the new terminal and which cruise lines it would service have not yet been released.

Port Tampa Bay, Cruise Terminal 2
Port Tampa Bay, Cruise Terminal 2 (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)

Cruise Terminal 6 is the northernmost terminal for Port Tampa Bay, located alongside Channelside Drive between McKay Street and East York Street.

Enhancements to permit cruise ships to connect to shore power while docked are another part of the development plan and help ensure the future sustainability and environmental responsibility of the port.

Port Construction All Across the Sunshine State

Port Tampa Bay is not the only Florida cruise port planning enhancements, expansions, and growth to welcome more cruise guests. Cruise Hive has previously reported on the different development plans and challenges at other major Florida homeports.

Any passenger who has set sail from PortMiami in recent weeks knows the construction at that port, not only on cruise terminals but also on local roads and in the downtown area leading to the cruise port, has created tremendous traffic congestion on the busiest port days.

Port Canaveral is also working on growth plans with the construction of new parking facilities and updates to other terminals.

Thoughtful growth and development plans with consideration for future needs is essential for all cruise ports.

With newer and larger ships coming from all cruise lines, including Legend of the Seas (2026) and Hero of the Seas (2027), Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028), MSC World Atlantic (2027), and more, ports must be prepared for the tens of thousands of guests they may be serving on turnover days.

More efficient traffic, increased parking, smoother passenger operations, security upgrades, and enhanced fuel options will help ports be well positioned to welcome more guests in the years to come.

South Korea Unlocks Instant Tax Refunds for Cruise Passengers in Major Policy Shift

Key Aspects:

  • Passengers visiting South Korea will be able to receive refunds of VAT and consumption taxes.
  • The Korea Customs Service linked cruise guest manifests to the tax refund system so they could qualify.
  • The program applies to purchases made at about 23,000 designated tax-free retail stores.

Short cruise stops in South Korea are about to become more convenient for shoppers. 

The Korea Customs Service announced April 3, 2026, that beginning April 6, foreign cruise passengers will be able to receive immediate or downtown refunds of internal taxes, including value-added tax (VAT) and individual consumption tax on goods purchased at designated duty-free stores.

The move extends a tax refund system that has long applied to international visitors arriving by air but has largely excluded cruise passengers, who often call in port cities of Busan, Incheon, and Jeju on major cruise lines.

Under South Korea’s tourist tax refund program, foreign visitors who purchase goods at designated tax-free shops can reclaim internal taxes included in the purchase price once the goods are verified as leaving the country.

The program operates under the Restriction of Special Taxation Act and the Special Regulations for Foreign Tourists.

Immediate refunds allow visitors to purchase goods at tax-excluded prices directly at participating stores, and passengers can receive refunds at city refund counters before leaving the country, as well as to claim refunds at seaport refund counters when departing Korea.

Immediate refunds generally apply to purchases under 1 million Korean won (about $740) per transaction and up to 5 million won total, while downtown refunds allow transactions up to 6 million won per purchase.

“With the implementation of this service, cruise tourists will be able to enjoy both the pleasure of shopping and the convenience of tax refunds even during their short stays in Korea,” Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Myung-koo said in the agency’s press release.

Officials expect the change will shorten wait times tied to customs export verification procedures, as originally guests entering South Korea on a ship used a tourist landing permit rather than a standard immigration process.

Costa Serena, South Korea
Costa Serena, South Korea

This meant their information was not automatically connected to the tax refund system and forced retailers and refund operators to confirm eligibility via passenger manifests.

The Korea Customs Services estimates that around two million cruise tourists may visit South Korea annually starting in 2026.

A Win Amidst Rising Costs

The policy change in South Korea arrives at a time when cruise lines are facing rapidly rising fuel costs.

Oil prices have surged in recent months due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Brent crude climbing above $100 per barrel after disruptions to global oil supply routes.

Fuel is one of the largest operating costs for cruise ships, which burn heavy fuel oil or marine gas oil to power vessels.

Carnival Corporation recently lowered its profit forecast after reporting about $500 million in unexpected fuel expenses tied to the jump in oil prices.

While cruise lines try to hedge fuel purchases in advance, sustained price increases can filter down to passengers through higher fares or new fees.

Most cruise contracts include provisions that allow lines to add fuel surcharges if oil prices rise above certain thresholds. For example, several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, reserve the right to impose fuel supplements of roughly $10 per passenger per day. 

Some operators have already begun passing on those costs. Asian brands StarCruises and Dream Cruises introduced fuel surcharges earlier in 2026, with fees reaching about $25 per passenger per night on some sailings.

This means a weeklong cruise for a family of four could see hundreds of dollars added to the overall cost. A tax refund on a shopping purchase may offset a small part of the bill during a Korean port visit.

Royal Caribbean Served with Three New Lawsuits From Injured Guests

Key Aspects:

  • Three passengers, who fell during their cruises, are suing Royal Caribbean.
  • The lawsuits blame the cruise line for allowing unsafe conditions onboard and for not properly warning guests of slip hazards.
  • Royal Caribbean prides itself on safety and exceeds safety standards set by regulatory authorities, such as SOLAS.

People often say that bad things come in groups of three, and in Royal Caribbean’s case, that seems to be true. The cruise line has been slapped with not one, not two, but three new lawsuits that were filed at the end of March 2026.

In all three cases, the cruise guests were injured in falls while sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s ships. They believe that the cruise line had a part to play in their accidents and are accusing the brand of negligence.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly responded to the lawsuits, but Cruise Hive will issue an update if a statement is released.

Cruiser Suffers Head Injury Onboard Oasis of the Seas

The first lawsuit of this batch was filed on March 19, 2026, by a North Carolina resident named Lindemere Richard Bernhardt.

On February 21, 2025, Bernhardt was enjoying his time onboard the 226,838-gross ton Oasis of the Seas when he slipped and fell in the Central Park neighborhood.

The cruise guest claims that he landed on his back and hit his head, causing him to lose consciousness for several minutes. Royal Caribbean provided immediate medical assistance and Bernhardt spent the rest of the voyage in a neck brace.

Per the claim, the former guest continues to suffer from debilitating symptoms caused by post-concussion syndrome and cervical spinal stenosis.

Central Park on Oasis of the Seas
Central Park on Oasis of the Seas

Allegedly, the fall happened because the tile flooring became wet due to intermittent rain. The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean is negligent because the crew members failed to place any wet floor signs or to verbally warn guests of the slip hazard.

For context, this area has a mix of tiled and wood-like surfaces that are meant to mimic a real outdoor park on land.

Bernhardt also wouldn’t be the first guest to complain about the flooring in the Central Park neighborhood. In October 2025, Cruise Hive reported that multiple guests had slipped or fallen in this area on the Oasis and Icon-class ships.

Despite the legal conflict, the 5,606-guest ship is sailing normally and is currently operating Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Central Park open for business.

Guest Falls Onboard Navigator of the Seas

The next lawsuit, which was filed on March 25, 2026, also has to do with slippery floors and an accidental fall.

In this case, a guest named Samia Boctor fell and became injured while walking near the Windjammer Buffet on Deck 11 of Navigator of the Seas on May 11, 2025.

The California resident says that she slipped on unreasonably wet and dangerous flooring, and that once again, the crew members did not properly warn guests of the hazard.

For context, Deck 11 is also home to multiple hot tubs, a swimming pool, and a splash pad. Anything from a food spill within the restaurant to swimming guests who tracked in water could have caused the hazard.

Navigator of the Seas Open Deck
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Bathing suits are not allowed in the popular buffet, but guests with proper coverups are allowed to enter, which suggests some passengers who may not have fully dried off from their pool day could come inside.

Given the location and nature of the venue, there may be an inherent assumption of risk where guests should assume that slippery or hazardous conditions may be present.

Just like Oasis of the Seas, the 139,999-gross ton vessel is continuing normal operations. The Voyager-class ship is currently offering cruises to Mexico from Los Angeles, California.

Lounge Chair Topples Guest on Odyssey of the Seas

On March 27, just one day after Boctor filed her lawsuit, Maryland resident Thomas Stein filed his own lawsuit against Royal Caribbean.

Stein was sailing onboard the 169,379-gross ton Odyssey of the Seas on April 18, 2025, when he tripped and fell due to a misplaced lounge chair on the Lido Deck.

The guest claims that the leg of the chair protruded into the walkway and was not easily visible. His attorneys allege that Royal Caribbean is responsible for not properly managing and maintaining the layout of the chairs on the pool deck.

Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Believe it or not, there are actually crew members assigned to monitor the outer decks to keep conditions safe and clean. But with up to 5,510 guests onboard every sailing moving things around, it’s impossible to prevent every potential hazard.

As the Lido Deck can also get quite busy, especially during prime pool and lounging hours, guests should pay extra close attention to where they are walking.

Currently, guests are enjoying the Lido Deck onboard the Quantum Ultra-class ship as it operates cruises around the Greek Isles.

Is Royal Caribbean at Fault?

Though these passengers claim that Royal Caribbean was negligent, the cruise line prides itself on its commitment to safety, which includes using flooring and deck materials that comply with safety standards set by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

In fact, the brand frequently goes far beyond what is required by organizations like SOLAS and other authorities when it comes to safety.

“At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority and fundamental to our operations. Our marine safety record over our 42-year history clearly illustrates our commitment to the safety of the millions of guests and crew that sail on our ships,” Royal Caribbean’s website states.

“The measures we take in the interest of safety are many, with our ships often exceeding what is required by regulatory authorities – these are all part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in every aspect of our business,” the statement continues.

As lawsuits are fairly common in the cruising industry, Royal Caribbean has an expert legal team that is prepared to defend the brand. Only time will tell if the cruise line will be found at fault.

Carnival Gratuity and Drink Package Price Increases Now in Effect

The latest Carnival Cruise Line gratuity and drink package price increase has now taken effect for all guests. The price increase was first announced in early February, with a start date for all sailings leaving on or after Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The rate increase applies to all stateroom types on all Carnival ships and is just $1 per day higher per person. This makes the current rate $17 per person, per day for standard staterooms (interior, ocean view, and balconies) and $19 per person, per day for all suites.

Guests who chose to pre-pay gratuities before April 2 were able to lock in the previous lower rate, regardless of their sailing date.

Gratuity increases are always controversial. While cruise guests usually agree that crew members deserve gratuities, frequent increases can become frustrating.

One common argument is that it’s only $1 a day, and therefore not too much for any individual cruise guest. That’s true, but calculating gratuities for an entire family or group can show just how expensive these charges can become, especially on longer sailings.

For a family of 4 on a week-long cruise, for example, gratuities will now be $28 higher than originally expected.

When noted over time, gratuity prices can seem even higher. In 2016, for example, Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuities were just $12.95 per person, per day for most staterooms.

For the same family of 4 on a 7-night sailing, gratuities would have been just $362.60 in 2016. Today, those same gratuities would now be $476, an increase of 24%.

This can come as a shock to guests who may not cruise frequently or who may budget for onboard expenses based on their own past experiences.

Carnival Cruise Ship
Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)

Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuities are not the highest in the industry, however. Cruise Hive reported in early February 2026 that Margaritaville at Sea increased its gratuities to $22 per person, per day for standard staterooms and $25 per person, per day for suites.

Virgin Voyages has the same gratuity rate as Margaritaville at Sea, but aboard Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ships, guests can adjust gratuities at their discretion or get a lower rate by pre-paying before they set sail. On Margaritaville at Sea ships, the cost is fixed and may not be adjusted or removed.

Bottomless Bubbles Price Now Higher

The gratuity increase is not the only higher price that has now gone into effect aboard Carnival ships. The Bottomless Bubbles price for adults has also increased from $9.50 per person, per day to $11.99 per person, per day.

Read Also: Expert Cruiser Details How You Can Save Money During a Cruise

There is no change in the pricing for kids, which remains at $6.95 per day.

A 20% service charge is added to the package price as well. That fee used to be 18%, but was raised to 20% in December 2025. That increase applies not only to Bottomless Bubbles, but also to other add-on packages, including other beverage packages, specialty dining, in-stateroom gifts, and more.

Purchased individually, sodas onboard Carnival ships are roughly $3.50-4, plus the service charge, depending on ship, homeport, and sailing region. Whether or not any drink package is a worthwhile purchase depends on individual guests’ drink preferences.

Calculating your beverage habits can help you decide if a soda, non-alcoholic, or full beverage package is worth adding to your cruise budget, bearing in mind that certain packages come with the requirement for all guests in a stateroom to purchase the same package.

Calmer 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season May Cause Fewer Cruise Disruptions

Key Aspects:

  • Forecasters predict that there will be 11-16 named storms during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
  • Four to seven of these storms are expected to become full fledged hurricanes.
  • These predictions, however, suggest that the season will be less active than 2025.

With the memories of intense 2025 hurricanes like Melissa, Erin, and Imelda still fresh, many cruisers are looking ahead to the looming Atlantic hurricane season with dread.

But according to AccuWeather, the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, 2026, may bring a reprieve compared to the previous year. 

AccuWeather’s forecast predicts an average to below average season, with an estimated 11 to 16 named storms expected to develop this year. However, it only takes one powerful storm to do significant damage and to majorly disrupt the cruise industry.

Four to seven of these storm systems will likely become hurricanes, and two to four are expected to reach Category 3 or higher. For context, Category 3 hurricanes reach sustained winds of 111-129 miles per hour.

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), a season with six to 18 named storms and three to nine hurricanes is considered near-normal, or average.

This is also below the expectations for the 2025 hurricane season, in which forecasters predicted 17 named storms with nine hurricanes and four major storms. Ultimately, the 2025 season was hit with 13 named storms, five of which became hurricanes.

Potential Impact to US Cruise Ports

Three to five of the storms are supposed to directly impact the US, with stormy weather especially likely in the northeastern Gulf Coast and the Carolinas.

“It’s very important that everybody from South Texas all the way to Maine prepares equally for each and every hurricane season, regardless of what the official forecast is,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

“Even if it’s expected to be a slightly below average hurricane season, we can still see major hits across the United States,” he continued.

This means that potential storm systems could disrupt itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, or even New England and Canada, as Cruise Hive has seen happen many times before.

Carnival Horizon in Miami
Carnival Horizon in Miami (Photo Credit: Just Dance)

Operations at major cruise ports could also be affected, as the ports may have to close to maritime traffic during times of dangerous weather.

Busy ports like Galveston, New Orleans, New York (Manhattan and Brooklyn), Norfolk, Charleston, and the major Florida ports (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Port Canaveral) could all potentially be in the line of fire.

An El Niño Will Determine the Season

A developing el niño will play a huge part in determining if the 2026 season really turns out to be below average, or if it will backfire and lead to a series of rapidly intensifying storms.

For context, an El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures near the eastern Pacific Ocean warm to at least 0.9 of a degree Fahrenheit above established averages. 

El Niño comes with warmer water temperatures, which is more likely to allow storms to rapidly intensify and may contribute to hurricanes forming early, before the official start of the season on June 1.

“Those waters are also exceptionally, exceptionally warm…That is why once again we are very concerned about rapid intensification this upcoming hurricane season,” DaSilva noted.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Must Know!

However, El Niño also usually brings a stronger wind shear to the Atlantic, which can make it harder for storms to form in the first place.

AccuWeather also shared that there is a small chance (about 15%) of a “super El Niño” developing later in the season, which would significantly reduce storm activity in late October and November. The season officially ends on November 30.

Hopefully this is the case, as it will be safer for the people who live in the affected areas and should lead to less cruise disruptions.

Is it Safe to Cruise During Hurricane Season?

Modern cruise ships are designed to safely navigate rough weather, and the cruise lines monitor weather forecasts closely to always chart the smoothest and safest course.

Many cruise guests also prefer to sail during the hurricane season, as kids are usually in school (leading to less crowds onboard) and prices are often lower due to the risks of weather-related disruptions.

But aside from the risk of potential itinerary changes or cancellations, guests should never be put in active danger. And of course, Cruise Hive will continue to monitor for storm activitiy and related itinerary changes.